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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. There are "jonquils" near where Mr. Coulson is sitting. What are jonquils?
(a) They are decorative figures common in early 20th century homes.
(b) They are thick woolen blankets.
(c) They are a kind of daffodil, a flower.
(d) They are a small sparrow-like bird.

2. When the author compares May to Circe and explains the comparison at length, what literary technique is he using?
(a) Synechdoche.
(b) Anaphora.
(c) Hyperbole.
(d) Conceit.

3. Miss Coulson has a "lorgnette" (334). What is a lorgnette?
(a) A high-necked, long-sleeved sweater.
(b) A piece of jewelry used to hold a scarf or shawl closed.
(c) Glasses that have a handle instead of ear-pieces.
(d) A round, flat case designed to hold medications or tobacco.

4. Which bird is Mr. Coulson said to be "elder brother" to in May?
(a) Robin.
(b) Pigeon.
(c) Chickadee.
(d) Turtle-dove.

5. What are the "portières" that Miss Coulson is sitting near?
(a) Window shutters.
(b) Curtains hung in the doorway.
(c) Hanging lamps.
(d) Wall hangings.

6. Who is Miss Van Meeker Constantia Coulson?
(a) Mr. Coulson's aunt.
(b) Mr. Coulson's sister.
(c) Mr. Coulson's daughter.
(d) Mr. Coulson's granddaughter.

7. What claim is the narrator making by calling humans "lineal scions of the pansy" (332)?
(a) Humans are the servants of nature.
(b) Humans and flowers are related through evolution.
(c) Pansies are more like humans than most people realize.
(d) Plants and animals are just as valuable as humans.

8. Why does Mrs. Widdup go into Mr. Coulson's room in the afternoon on the second day of the story?
(a) She is concerned that he is all by himself.
(b) She hears him ring for help.
(c) She wants him to finish what he was going to say on the day before.
(d) She needs to tell him that everyone else has left the house.

9. How does Miss Coulson spend the afternoon after her conversation with her father about the cold?
(a) She works in the garden.
(b) She goes shopping.
(c) She takes a long nap.
(d) She reads a romance book.

10. The story opens with the word "prithee" (332). What does this word mean in this context?
(a) I disapprove of this.
(b) Listen carefully.
(c) Please, I am begging you.
(d) Keep this information secret.

11. Why is Mr. Coulson so clumsy on the afternoon after the ice is delivered?
(a) He is nervous about speaking to Mrs. Widdup.
(b) He is angry at Miss Coulson's meddling.
(c) He is upset because of the cold.
(d) He is frustrated that he has not yet been able to confess his feelings to Mrs. Widdup.

12. What is implied by Mr. Coulson's mention of Palm Beach?
(a) He does not want Mrs. Widdup to go away on vacation.
(b) He misses his friends in Palm Beach.
(c) He dislikes New York.
(d) He spends the winter in Palm Beach.

13. With which motif is Miss Coulson most identified?
(a) Ice.
(b) Wealth.
(c) Flowers.
(d) May.

14. On page 334, the narrator refers to the "panoply" of Miss Coulson's "unthrilled bosom." What is the meaning of "panoply" in this context?
(a) A suit of armor.
(b) Unemotional wisdom.
(c) An impressive array.
(d) Ceremonial clothing.

15. Why does Mr. Coulson tell his servant to "bring an axe" (335)?
(a) He wants to break up the ice.
(b) He is threatening to kill the servant.
(c) He wants to cut down the flowers.
(d) He is joking about killing himself.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Mr. Coulson complains about the cold, what is his servant's response?

2. How much ice does Miss Coulson order be delivered each day?

3. What physical gesture of affection does Mr. Coulson make toward Mrs. Widdup?

4. What does the narrator call the "most potent weapons of insidious May" (334)?

5. What point is made through the juxtaposition of Mr. Coulson's and Mrs. Widdup's comments about springtime?

(see the answer keys)

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